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Tire Blowout Accident

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Cantor Grana Buckner Bucci, Virginia, Tire Blowout Accidents

When you have a blown tire that causes you to lose control of your car, it is a terrifying experience. If you are not paying attention or the roads are slick from rain or snow, an accident can happen quickly. Tire blowouts can be dangerous for everyone involved and even leads to deaths if the vehicle spins and collides with other vehicles on the road.

Whether struck by an out-of-control vehicle or lose control yourself when your tire blew out, you may have suffered serious injuries and have to be transported to a hospital for medical treatment, or your car may have suffered damages that require costly payments.

At Cantor Grana Buckner Bucci, we care about your well-being. If you are interested in taking legal action against the party or parties responsible for the crash, a tire blowout accident lawyer might be able to help. We could file a personal injury lawsuit against those liable in the accident and seek compensation to help you pay for these damages. Contact us today for a free consultation.

What Happens During a Tire Blowout?

When tire blowouts happen, it can be extremely dangerous for you and other drivers on the road. This is because the tire will lose its ability to provide traction with the ground. This means that when your car loses one of its tires, it cannot grip or hold onto the surface beneath it. It doesn’t matter how good of a driver you are; you won’t be able to control the car if it loses its grip on the road.

Not only can tire blowouts cause accidents, but they can also injure your passengers and fellow drivers. If a tire blows out while driving at high speeds or in heavy traffic, there is an increased risk of rollover crashes that will put everyone involved in danger. tire blowout on truck

What Causes a Tire Blowout?

Several factors can lead to a tire defect, including the following:

  • Inadequate maintenance. Rotating your tires frequently and replacing them when necessary is important. Rotation ensures even wear on each part of the tire. Without it, tires will become worn and often lead to a blowout.
  • Worn tires or thin treads. Inspecting your tire treads regularly ensures they meet the proper thickness requirements. Excessively worn tires or thin threads can make a blowout more likely.
  • Underinflated tires. Making sure your tires are properly inflated is vital. It is more likely to overheat and wear out quickly if your tire pressure is low.
  • Incorrect air pressure. It is important to check your tire pressure regularly. When tire pressure is above what is recommended, it puts excess stress on the sidewall, making them more likely to burst.
  • Running over something sharp like a nail. If you are driving with low tire pressure and run over something sharp like a nail or screw, it could lead to failure of the sidewall due to excess stress applied to the area.
  • Tire tread separation is when the tread, or rubber on the outside of the tire, starts to come off and often results in a damaged tire.
  • A manufacturing defect. Safety recalls of a vehicle’s tires are usually accomplished via communications with the vehicle owners that had the defective tire installed originally or owners of tires bought to replace originally installed ones. However, not all drivers receive or listen to these communications. Check to see if your tire has been the subject of a recall by looking up a car’s vehicle identification number on the NHTSA website.
  • Road maintenance or conditions. The impact of hitting a pothole or hazard can compress the internal elements of a tire and damage it, causing a blown tire.
  • Hot weather. Excessive heat can make the roadways hot and cause tires to overheat and blow, especially if older or stressed by other factors.

If you have questions about your legal options if something like this happens to you, don’t hesitate to get in touch with The Virginia Trial Group today.

How Dangerous are Tire Blowouts?

Blowouts are extremely dangerous and can cause accidents that lead to serious injuries or death. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, over 200 people die yearly in the United States due to tire-related crashes.

In addition, more than 20,000 people are injured in these types of accidents annually. 

What Are The Signs of a Tire Blowout?

If you are driving and notice any of the following, it might be a sign that your tire is about to blowout:

  • The car starts to shake or vibrate
  • You hear a loud noise like something popping
  • The steering wheel begins to vibrate
  • The vehicle pulls to one side
  • You can’t control the car’s speed

If you notice any of these signs, getting off the road as quickly as possible and calling for help is important. Do not continue driving on the blown-out tire, or you could cause a more serious accident.

blown out tire

What Injuries Can A Blown-Out Tire Accident Cause?

Injuries caused by a tire blowout can cause many injuries that may require hospitalization for many reasons.

  • Whiplash – If the driver’s head is jerked forward violently, they could suffer neck strain or whiplash, which causes back and neck pain as well as headaches.
  • Concussion – If the impact is strong enough, a person may suffer from a concussion or traumatic brain injury that could cause memory loss and confusion.
  • Broken bones – When a sudden acceleration of speed has thrown the body, it can lead to broken bones in the arms and legs and neck fractures.

All of these injuries are serious and often require medical attention.

Damages to Your Car

In some cases, the car may have suffered damages that require costly payments to fix, which can add up quickly if you do not have a way to pay for them yourself. Suppose negligence was involved, and someone else is liable for causing this accident. In that case, Cantor Grana Buckner Bucci could file a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf to help get compensation from the responsible party.

For more information on what legal options you may have after a tire blowout accident, please contact The Virginia Trial Group today for your free case evaluation. We understand that this is not an easy time, and we will fight hard to get the compensation needed so you can focus on getting yourself better again.

What Should I Do If My Tire Blows Out?

If your tire blows out while driving, there are a few things you should do to stay safe:

  • Get off the road as quickly as possible. If you can’t control the car or it’s going too fast, pull over to the side of the road as soon as possible.
  • Turn on your hazard lights. This will let other people on the road know that you’ve had a problem.
  • If you have a spare tire and know how to change the defective tire. Do so. Otherwise, don’t try to change your tire yourself if it’s still on the vehicle.
  • Call for help as quickly as possible. If no cell phone service is available, try to find someone who can help you.

Is a Tire Blowout an At-Fault Accident?

A tire blowout can be an at-fault accident, depending on the circumstances surrounding it.

Suppose negligence was involved in causing this type of car accident which results in serious injuries, like broken bones or brain damage. In that case, you might have legal options available to get compensation from the responsible party for medical bills and other damages incurred due to the accident. 

For more information on whether or not a tire blowout is an at-fault accident, please contact Cantor Grana Buckner Bucci today for a free case evaluation. We will be happy to discuss your situation with you and help determine the best course of action.

Who is Liable for Damages in Tire Blowout Accidents?

In most cases, the driver of the car is responsible for injuries suffered in a tire blowout accident.

However, there may be instances where the vehicle manufacturer or supplier of the tires can be held liable if it is found that they did not properly test or inspect them before putting them on the market.

When a Manufacturer or Retailer May Be At Fault for a Blowout Accident

There are several ways that the manufacturer or retailer of tires may be held liable for injuries caused by defective tires:

The Tire was Defective and Should Not Have Been Put on the Market

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is responsible for keeping these reports. They either perform the tests themselves or require manufacturers to do them on their behalf before releasing new tires onto the market.

Improper Maintenance and Inspections

Tire manufacturers are required to provide recalls of tire models found with defects that could lead to accidents or injuries by providing a detailed explanation and instructions on how consumers can have their tires replaced.

Failure to Follow Proper Safety Procedures

When the retailer does not follow the proper safety procedures when putting tires on the car, it could lead to tire failure and cause them to blow out more quickly.

If your tire blew out and you have suffered injuries, it is important to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible to determine who is responsible and what legal options may be available to you.

tire being fixed after blowout

What Does an Insurance Company Cover in a Tire Blowout Accident?

  • Towing services. Some insurance companies may offer payment for towing services, making it possible for you to take your car somewhere to repair the tire.
  • Damage to other parties’ vehicles. If your tire blowout causes a car crash, your liability coverage may cover any damage to the other party’s vehicle.
  • Injuries to other parties. Tire blowout accidents sometimes cause serious injuries to other parties who share the road with you. When you cause serious injury, your car insurance company usually covers those injuries to another party.

Is Damage From a Tire Blowout Covered by Insurance?

Your insurance company will not pay to replace the tire itself, but it may offer coverage that will help you take care of the damage from your vehicle striking a telephone pole or guard rail that you collided with after your tire blew out. Comprehensive coverage can help you repair any damage your vehicle suffers outside the damage to the tire itself.

Are Blowouts Covered Under Tire Warranty?

Tire blowouts are often not covered under warranty.

Suppose the tire was defective or did not meet industry standards for manufacturing, and you can prove that it led to your accident. In that case, it may be possible to receive compensation from the manufacturer for the faulty tire.

How a Lawyer Could Help You  With Your Tire Blowout Accident Claim

If you have been injured in a tire blowout accident, it is important to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible to determine who is responsible and what legal options may be available to you.

Proving Your Tire Blowout Accident Claim

An experienced lawyer may be able to help you prove your tire blowout accident claim by providing the following evidence:

A detailed explanation of what happened during the incident. Photos, video footage, or eyewitness accounts could also be used as proof that you were not at fault for this type of car accident.

Proof that the tire was defective. If your accident occurred after a tread separation or other defect, you might be able to file a claim with the manufacturer for their faulty product.

Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit

If another person or company, such as one that made the defective tires, was liable for the accident, we might file a personal injury lawsuit against that individual or entity. Likewise, if a pothole or other road damage caused the tire blowout, we could look into filing a lawsuit against a local government unless it is protected by immunity.

Contact Cantor Grana Buckner Bucci Today For A Free Consultation With An Experienced Lawyer

The aftermath of a car accident can be difficult, both physically and emotionally. You may feel overwhelmed and unsure of where to turn for help. That’s where we come in. At Cantor Grana Buckner Bucci, we have years of experience helping people just like you get the compensation they deserve after an accident. We’ll work tirelessly to make sure you receive the compensation you deserve.

We will be happy to answer your questions and help you find out if filing a claim is right for you. Don’t hesitate to contact us today for more information on tire blowouts, which may be liable for an accident caused by this issue, or any other related topics that are important to your case.

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